Fall Equinox Arrives: Autumn Begins in Chicago Today at 7:44 a.m. CT
When Does Fall Begin?
Fall officially arrives at 7:44 a.m. CT on September 22, 2024. This timing marks the autumnal equinox, an astronomical event that signifies the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
End of Daylight Saving Time
Currently, Illinois and numerous other states are observing daylight saving time, which began in the spring. However, this will soon change as residents prepare for the shift back to standard time. Clocks will be set back one hour on November 3, 2024, the first Sunday of November, granting everyone an extra hour of sleep.
Understanding Daylight Saving Time
Daylight saving time (DST) is a biannual clock adjustment, starting in spring and ending in fall. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 dictates that DST begins on the second Sunday in March and concludes on the first Sunday in November. When not observing DST, the time reverts to standard time.
States Not Observing Daylight Saving Time
Most states, including Illinois, participate in the biannual clock changes, but Arizona (with some exceptions for Native American territories) and Hawaii do not observe DST. U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam also refrain from participating.
The Debate: Standard Time vs. Daylight Saving Time
Health experts have raised concerns about the impact of daylight saving time on well-being. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advocates for a permanent standard time, arguing that the shifting of clocks disrupts natural sleep patterns and poses risks to both physical and mental health.
As Daylight Fades
As autumn approaches, sunset times will gradually become earlier. Chicago has already seen its last 7 p.m. sunset of the year on September 15. By September 30, the sun will set at 6:32 p.m., continuing to shift until it sets as early as 4:30 p.m. by late November.
What is the Autumnal Equinox?
The autumnal equinox, also known as the fall equinox, represents the midpoint between summer and winter. It occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in nearly equal durations of day and night. This phenomenon occurs twice a year, providing a transition into the cooler months of the year.
